Papaveraceae
Celandine
Chelidonium majus
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia
Also known as: Greater Celandine, Tetterwort, Swallowwort, Rock Poppy
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Parts Used
RootLeafStem
Therapeutic Uses
Gallbladder spasm, biliary dyskinesia, digestive spasm (Commission E approved), warts (topical — sap), liver support, IBS with spasm. Yellow sap is traditional wart remedy with clinical evidence.
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, cholagogue, mild analgesic, antiviral, antifungal, cytotoxic (topical)
Active Constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids (chelidonine, coptisine, berberine, sanguinarine, chelerythrine), flavonoids, chelidonic acid
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2–3x daily — use cautiously |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 2–3x daily — low dose herb |
| Notes | LOW DOSE HERB — do not exceed. For warts: apply fresh yellow sap directly to wart 2x daily. Internal use: small doses only, short courses. Commission E approved for biliary conditions at specific doses. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy, liver disease, biliary obstruction. Hepatotoxicity risk at high doses. Do not exceed recommended doses.
Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity (dose-dependent). GI irritation. Alkaloids irritant to mucous membranes. Yellow sap caustic to eyes.